June 19, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Jane Salamon Henry, formerly of North Huntingdon, passed from this life into the arms of her husband and daughters on June 17, 2023, her 91st birthday. Born in Pittsburgh in 1932, the daughter of Robert P. Salamon, Sr. and Mildred Nolan Salamon, she was raised in Wilkinsburg and graduated from Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1950. Mary Jane lived life with one guiding principle, love.
Working at Bell Telephone Company, she met the love of her life, Herbert Henry. They married in 1955 and together they lovingly raised six children. She later returned to work for PNC Bank where she retired in 1997.
She suffered great loss in her life with the death of her two daughters, Susan and Barbara, but she used that loss to teach her children and grandchildren that there was nothing more important in life than family. She was generous with her hugs and taught us that any conversation with family ended with saying “I love you”. Mary Jane was happiest when her family was gathered around her table, where no meal ended without one of her desserts. Her love language was feeding and taking care of people who meant the most, a passion carried on by many of her children and grandchildren.
Her faith was an integral part of her life, from childhood until her passing. She was a founding member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, North Huntingdon, where she was active in parish council, Christian Mothers, and was a religious education teacher. Many will remember the church bus tours she organized, the fish fries she helped orchestrate, and the Mary’s Garden she planned. Tending the Mary’s Garden was a labor of love for her and her late husband, Herb, for many years.
Another love of her life was her Norwin community. As a resident of Penns Woods, Mary Jane was a founding member and officer of the Penns Woods Civic Association and its Ladies’ Auxiliary. When her children were young, she was PTA President at Stewartsville Elementary School, and was a Cub Scout den mother and Girl Scout leader. She served as a Westmoreland County election official for more than 50 years. She was a former board member of the Norwin Area Meals on Wheels, and a kitchen volunteer where the Tuesday Crew knew her as “MJ”. Mary Jane was also active in AARP Chapter 3321 where she held various leadership positions and planned many cruises and bus tours. She was known for her fund-raising abilities for the organizations she led, planning many a card party, luncheon, and auction. Beginning in 2014, Mary Jane proudly walked with family and friends as “Herb’s Gang” in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in memory of her late husband, raising nearly $50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Herb, her daughters Susan and Barbara, her sister Roberta Linton, her brother Robert P. Salamon, Jr. and many beloved family members and friends.
She is survived by her children Cynthia Beck (Jay), Robert Henry (Julie), David Henry (Beth), and Sandra Socrates (Tony). She is also survived by grandchildren who she dearly loved, Brad Rohlf (Caitlyn), Jeffrey Beck (Megan), Jessica Henry (Joshua Rihs), Megan Beck, Christopher Henry (Erin), Jessica McGaffic (Alec), Anthony Socrates, Nicholas Socrates (fiancée Caitlyn Hunter), and Jennifer Wilson (Matthew), and by great grandchildren Connor, Blair, Landon, Hudson, Nathan, Ellie, and two due to arrive this year. She is additionally survived by a sister, Dorothy Sullivan, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Friends will be received from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, June 25, 2023 at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment to follow in Brush Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to two causes close to Mary Jane’s heart, The Norwin Area Meals on Wheels, 12735 Lincoln Way, North Huntingdon, PA 15642 and the Norwin Public Library, 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 12, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Nadine Habura Plummer, age 91, peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2023 at her home in Knoxville, TN with her daughter at her side. She was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Nadine was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 16, 1932 and grew up in the Forest Hills area. She graduated from Shadyside School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her compassionate and caring nature lent itself well to a nursing career as clinical instructor in various Pittsburgh hospitals and later as Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility. On August 12, 1961 Nadine married Robert Lee “Bob” Plummer. They raised two children, Chris and Tom, and together built a life of service to the church and community, serving many organizations in the Pittsburgh area. Nadine’s faith and strength were evident as she and Bob survived Tom‘s death at the age of 22, eventually encouraging other parents who had lost children through The Compassionate Friends. Nadine delighted in cooking and baking, not only serving gourmet meals for family and friends and frequently providing meals for those in need, but also volunteering in the kitchen at Meals on Wheels for 18 years and at the Greensburg, PA Christ’s Church salad bar where she had been a member. Nadine and Bob loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises all over the world with dear friends. Following Bob’s death in 2013 Nadine relocated to Knoxville in 2018 to be close to Chris and her family. Although 86 at the time, she quickly made many friends because of the extraordinary person she was. Nadine was one of a kind, someone who put others before herself. She had a strong work ethic and was always the first to help out. She was genuine, patient, and always kind to everyone, holding her friends in high regard. Her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to many. She loved to follow sports and play board games and was a skillful conversationalist, always up on the latest news. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She was dear “Aunt Dean” to her two nieces and precious “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, Elise and Cole, keeping them well stocked with cookies and hugs. Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Amelia (Malacky) Habura, sister, Beverly Habura, loving husband, Robert Plummer and son, Thomas Plummer. She is survived by her daughter, Christin McDaniel (husband, Lee) of Knoxville, two grandchildren, Elise McDaniel and Cole McDaniel, and two nieces and their families. Friends will be received from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m., the Rev. Gretchen Peske officiating. Interment will be private in Irwin Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Christ’s Church, 145 N. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 12, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Daniel Gene Wilson, 73, of North Huntingdon, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023 at Canterbury Place, Pittsburgh. He was born November 24, 1949 in Howell, MI, a son of the late Rex and Nina (Wainright) Wilson. Prior to his retirement, Dan was an insurance sales representative for Pennsylvania Farmers Insurance Co. and worked part time for Shorkey's Auto Parts. He was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War and enjoyed golfing, bowling and playing softball. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (DeSantis) Wilson; sons, Christopher Wilson, Brandson Wilson and his wife, Jennifer; daughter, Dr. Jessica Culbterson and her husband, William, Danielle Fitzpatrick and her fiance, Eric; grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jaylyn, Payton, Collin, Brynn, Madison, Jacob, Audrey and Olive. There will be no visitation. Private interment in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Pittsburgh. Memorials may be made to UPMC Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Drive, Altoona, PA 16601 or https://tiny.cc/FHmemorial. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176, Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 12, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Lance Eric Olsen, 52, of Hutchinson, passed away Saturday, June 10, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. He was born July 7, 1970 in Pittsburgh, son of Bonita (Popovich) Olsen and the late Edward J. Olsen. Eric was a graduate of Norwin Sr. High School Class of '88 and earned a degree from the Johnson & Wells University Culinary Arts Institute, Rhode Island. He was a chef for Golden Corral, Applebee's, Rocco's Inn, Ponderosa and Fishtales in Kentucky and enjoyed cooking and fishing. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brothers, Edward J. (Kristin) Olsen and John A. Olsen (Lori Moffat Sinchar); nephews, John Todd, Tyler Casey, Garrett; nieces, Rebekah Alleen and Andrea; great nephews, Cayden and Trevor. There will be no visitation. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. Donations may be made to the Olsen Family, 210 Verdant Street, N. Huntingdon, PA 15642 or online at www.shirleyfuneralhome.com.
June 11, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sophie E. Vargo, 95, of Duquesne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The daughter of the late George and Alice (Klipa) Evkovich, she was born on July 15, 1927 in Yukon, PA. She was predeceased by her brother, Mike Evkovich and sister, Mildred Dubich.
For years, Sophie held the longest record of employment in the City of Duquesne working 52 years as a sales clerk for Sally Fashions.
She served as a Sunday school teacher for over 70 years at her beloved St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church in Monroeville. “Teta Sophie” - as she was known by hundreds of children - always had her kids with her on Sundays and taught them that “We don’t run from God, we run to God.” Sophie loved her church family. Sophie was a founding member and pillar of St. Nicholas Church fundraising tirelessly in order for the church to be built in 1970. She organized the ‘Od Srce’ Committee to benefit those in need in her church and community. She also volunteered her time in fundraising and working for Shadeland Camp. Sophie deeply appreciated all those who supported these organizations and her work for them.
Her unflagging service to the church and those in need brought her many honors and events that recognized her extraordinary impact. She was presented with an Episcopal Grammata - a Certificate of Faithfulness and Dedication to the Eastern Orthodox American and Canadian Diocese. In 1981, she was the recipient of The Post Gazette Citizen of the Year Award, and she was the first recipient of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Heritage Commission Award. She also received recognition from the Commissioners of Allegheny County and the City of Duquesne for her volunteer service for the American Cancer Society, Children’s Hospital, Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, various nursing homes in the area, Family House and The Tamburitzans.
Sophie was known for her sharp mind and quick wit. She rarely missed a detail and loved nothing more than to enjoy a good laugh with people, often telling stories to cheer up those who were hurting. In recent years, Sophie was helped by many who enabled her to live at home until the last several weeks of her life. On behalf of Sophie, her niece Elizabeth (Evkovich) Riddlesberger would like to thank the following - Dee Dee Baskot, Donna Vranasevic, Tom and Denise Englert and family, Birdie Fix, Carla Williamson and family, Danielle Smith and family, Janet Pribanic and family, Pat Kolar, Mary Ann Rome, Jaime Codispoti, Melissa Kochka, Mary Ann Tomich, Sava Saula, Martha Medich, Chuck and Claudia Lewicki, Bernie Cornelli and family, Mark Novakovich and family, Vic Pilipovich, and the Markoff, Klipa, Karas, Visnic, and Jovanovich families. Your thoughtfulness and loving care meant the world to us both. May God return such kindness to you. Od Srce.
There will be no visitation. Interment will be private in Grandview Cemetery, Export, PA. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 07, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Jeremy George Cifra of Greensburg, passed away Monday, June 5, 2023 at home. He was born March 23, 1982 in Greensburg a son of George Cifra and Marlene (Fallat) Cifra. Jeremy was a graduate of Hempfleld Sr. High School and worked for Pizza Siena. He was a very handsome, smart and charismatic man who loved fishing and canoeing. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jamie Cifra. In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving brother, Trevor Cifra. Jeremy will truly be missed by his mother and father. There will be no visitation. Jeremy would want you to remember him ALIVE. Arrangements made by the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA 15642. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 07, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
June 06, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Nadine Habura Plummer, age 91, peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2023 at her home in Knoxville, TN with her daughter at her side. She was a member of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church in Knoxville. Nadine was born in Pittsburgh, PA on March 16, 1932 and grew up in the Forest Hills area. She graduated from Shadyside School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. Her compassionate and caring nature lent itself well to a nursing career as clinical instructor in various Pittsburgh hospitals and later as Director of Nursing in a skilled nursing facility.
On August 12, 1961 Nadine married Robert Lee “Bob” Plummer. They raised two children, Chris and Tom, and together built a life of service to the church and community. Nadine’s faith and strength were evident as she and Bob survived Tom‘s death at the age of 22, eventually encouraging other parents who had lost children through The Compassionate Friends. Nadine delighted in cooking and baking, not only serving gourmet meals for family and friends and frequently providing meals for those in need, but also volunteering in the kitchen at Meals on Wheels for 18 years and at the Greensburg, PA Christ’s Church salad bar where she had been a member. Nadine and Bob loved to travel and enjoyed many cruises all over the world with dear friends.
Following Bob’s death in 2013 Nadine relocated to Knoxville in 2018 to be close to Chris and her family. Although 86 at the time, she quickly made many friends because of the extraordinary person she was. Nadine was one of a kind, someone who put others before herself. She had a strong work ethic and was always the first to help out. She was genuine, patient, and always kind to everyone, holding her friends in high regard. Her faith in Jesus was an inspiration to many. She loved to follow sports and play board games and was a skillful conversationalist, always up on the latest news. Her greatest joy was spending time with family. She was dear “Aunt Dean” to her two nieces and precious “Nana” to her beloved grandchildren, Elise and Cole, keeping them well stocked with cookies and hugs.
Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Amelia (Malacky) Habura, sister, Beverly Habura, loving husband, Robert Plummer and son, Thomas Plummer. She is survived by her daughter, Christin McDaniel, (husband, Lee) of Knoxville, two grandchildren, Elise and Cole McDaniel and two nieces and their families.
Friends will be received from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA. 15642 and a Celebration of Life will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be private in Irwin Union Cemetery.
www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
June 05, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Elvira F. Maglicco, 97, of N. Huntingdon, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023. She was born October 3, 1925 in Dunbar, a daughter of the late John and Jennie (Picchoni) Crocetti. Prior to her retirement, Elvira was a sales clerk for Cox's children’s department. She was a member of Mary Mother of God, Christy Park and enjoyed cooking, baking and housekeeping. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Anthony; son, John Wayne; brothers, Angelo and Emideo; sisters, Theresa Jaworski and Virginia Gasbarro. She is survived by her son, Anthony and his wife, Patricia; daughter, Joanna Graham and her husband, Mark; brother, John (Karen), Anthony (Mary Ann); sisters, Eleanor Hoyng; Geraldine (Patrick) Corrado, Loretta Perri, Eugenia (Bob) Horwatt; daughter-in-law, Kathy Maglicco; grandchildren, Anthony (Robin) Maglicco III, Amber (Jay) Richards, Dawn (Dennis) Deitch, Keith Maglicco, Michael (Allie) Maglicco and Karrie (Don) Thomas; 4 great-grandchildren. Friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. on Friday at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, N. Huntingdon, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, N. Huntingdon. Entombment to follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, N. Versailles. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 31, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Marlene Joyce "MJ" Shufran Stabile, 73, of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at home from end-stage COPD and emphysema with her daughter, Dorey, and her Hospice Team of Treasure Bertani and Karen Onder, by her side, holding her hands. She was born April 4, 1950, in Gary, Indiana, a daughter of the late Stephen and Wilda G. (McGonigal) Shufran. Marlene was told as a teenager that she wouldn't live past the age of 25, so she lived her life being thankful for every new day she was graced with. She was blessed with a husband who was her true love, and with two children she was told she would never be able to have, who she dedicated her life to after becoming a widow at 34. Marlene proudly earned degrees from Penn State University and the University of Pittsburgh, she was a Financial Officer for WQED, Adtranz, and Direct Advantage Marketing, and after early retirement, she was a comforting caregiver to her mother, friends, and others who were entrusted with her care, which was the most rewarding job besides being a loving mother to her two children. Marlene always read her daily devotions, was an avid reader in general, and found enjoyable peace tending to her flowers and yard until she no longer could do so. She lived her life to the very best she could and by the Golden Rule to treat others the way you want to be treated. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rosario Stabile, and son, R. Vincent Stabile. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Dorey Stabile, her very special, Simon Alexander; her so-loved granddaughter, Ava Stabile, and her brother Timothy Shufran. There will be no visitation. Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Moments Event Hall, 231 Jennie Drive, North Huntingdon, PA 15642.
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May 26, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Mary Ellen Berggren, 75, of North Huntingdon, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital.
She was born January 5, 1948 in Donora, a daughter of the late John and Mary Agnes (Kosko) Mihalic. Mary was a graduate of Mon Valley Catholic High School Class of '65 and was the social director for her classmates dinner group and social coordinator for their class reunions.
Prior to her retirement, Mary was an assistant branch manager for Mellon Bank/Citizens Bank in Donora for 41 years. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish where she was a Christian Mother and volunteered for Lenten fish fries.
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May 23, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
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May 22, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Sarah "Sally" Ann Gennaro, 89, of Irwin, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023 at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was born January 17, 1934 in Ambridge, PA, a daughter of the late John and Mary (Linden) Gibb. Sarah was a graduate of St. Joseph Nursing School and was a registered nurse for various hospitals in the Western Pennsylvania area. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Irwin and enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading mysteries and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She liked all animals and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Gennaro, and son-in-law, Roy Starr. She is survived by her sons, Daniel P. Gennaro and his wife, Catherine, Rodger Gennaro and his wife, Janet; daughters, M. Bridget Starr, Amy Kerr and her husband, Norman; grandchildren, Gabriella, Olivia, John, Roy, Daniel, Trudy, Eleanor, Sarah, Norman, William, Megan and Amanda. There will be no visitation. Interment will be private in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies. Arrangements made by James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon, PA www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
May 21, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Phyllis M. Valerio, 91, of North Huntingdon ascended into heaven on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at her home. She was born August 13, 1931 in Pittsburgh, a daughter of the late Walter and Anne Clark Parkhurst. Phyllis was a waitress at Eat'n Park. She attended West Hempfield Presbyterian Church and enjoyed ballroom dancing, bowling, entertaining and sewing. Phyllis was a wonderful mom and a fabulous cook. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Valerio, one daughter, Jeryl E. Schwartz (Robert), two brothers, Walter (Vinita) Parkhurst and Jessie Donald (Joann) Parkhurst, one sister, Lois (Rich) Godec. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Y. Colchagie (Robert), son, Paul J. Neff (Sharon), one sister, Annette Potts (Ronald), 5 grandchildren, Matthew Neff (Kim), Jonathan Neff (Sarah), Keriann Neff (Jason), Kaishia Ieraci, Aaviele Ieraci, four great-grandchildren Arlo, Luca, Ty and Lilly. Friends will be received at the Refuge Church in Manor on Saturday, May 27 from 9:30-10 a.m. at which time a service will be begin at 10 a.m. Interment will be private in Brush Creek Cemetery. James W. Shirley Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. www.shirleyfunerahome.com.
May 20, 2023 |
By James W. Shirley Funeral Home Inc. | Posted in: James W. Shirley Funeral Home
Beverly A. Beasley Minerva, 84 of McKeesport died May 19, 2023, at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. She was born June 6, 1938, in Connecticut, a daughter of the late Timothy and Elizabeth O'Koverick Hawes. Prior to her retirement, Bev was a salesclerk for Pat's Hallmark and a customer service representative for MEDCO. She was preceded in death by her former husband, Gene Minerva, daughters, Suzanne and Karen Ann Beasley. She is survived by her step grandchild, Nicholas Minerva. Friends will be received at the James W. Shirley Funeral Home, 176 Clay Pike, North Huntingdon on Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. www.shirleyfuneralhome.com
